Bruxism

Teeth Grinding: Restoring Smiles in Houston

Dr. John Barras, DDS, LVIF is a Houston dentist trained to diagnose and treat TMJ disorders caused by an improper bite. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can be a conscious or unconscious habit. People grinding their teeth tend to clench their jaw muscles tight, grinding their upper and lower teeth together. Grinding teeth will wear away tooth shape and can cause tooth damage such as chipping and cracking of teeth. If the landscape of the mouth changes, the jaw muscles will change to compensate.

As this continues, the muscles on one side of the jaw may work harder than the other creating bite imbalance. This can lead to disorders of the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. Grinding teeth can lead to damaged teeth and TMJ disorders affecting people of all ages. Headaches, neck pain, ear pain and more can result from teeth grinding. Dr. John Barras, DDS, LVIF can restore smiles damaged by bruxism. Restoring smiles can correct bite alignment and eliminate TMJ symptoms. Schedule a complimentary TMJ examination at Dentistry by John Barras, DDS today.

Three Reasons People Grind Teeth

Grinding teeth together can generate discomfort across the body. The estimates for the number of people grinding their teeth nationwide stretch into the tens of millions. For many, bruxism is an unconscious habit. It may take years for damage to become apparent, and patients may suffer TMJ symptoms without knowing why. There are many triggers for teeth grinding. Teeth grinding can occur in the day and night. People may grind teeth at any age; the reasons for bruxism vary.

Stress-related. Teeth grinding can occur due to stress at home or in the workplace.

Those grinding their teeth while sleeping may be at increased risk for damage to their teeth, mouth, and for TMJ disorders. Nighttime bruxism can cause damage through increased intensity of teeth grinding. Unchecked, nighttime teeth grinding can result in broken teeth, bites to the tongue, and damaged muscles in the TMJ. Reshaping the teeth and overworking the jaw muscles by grinding teeth can lead to painful symptoms of TMJ disorders. Houston dentist Dr. John Barras, DDS can repair damage caused by teeth grinding for TMJ relief.

Complimentary TMJ Examination in Houston

TMJ disorders can occur when the bite is shifted from its optimal position. Teeth grinding works to wear away the natural shape of teeth, changing how the upper and lower teeth meet. Grinding teeth can also chip teeth, damage previous dental work, and crack teeth all further complicating the bite. As the bite changes, the muscles surrounding the TMJ will compensate by working harder. The imbalanced effort of the jaw muscles can shift the jawbone from its natural alignment, causing a clicking or popping sound in the jaw, and may lead to TMJ disorders. To see if your bite is balanced schedule a complimentary TMJ examination in Houston at Dentistry by John Barras, DDS.

Grinding Your Teeth in Houston? The Signs of Bruxism.

Are you grinding your teeth? If you suspect you might be grinding your teeth, you may be right. Check for signs and symptoms of bruxism and schedule an appointment with Dr. Barras, DDS.

Excessive Tooth Wear. Grinding teeth wears the surfaces of teeth down. Over time, the damage from teeth grinding can become extensive, altering the shapes of teeth. Inexplicably-worn teeth, chipped teeth, and biting the tongue can be signs of unconscious bruxism.

Neck, Shoulder, and Back Pain. Nighttime teeth grinding can be severe. The muscles involved are strained, causing stress on muscles across the upper body. Indefinable neck pain, shoulder pain, or back pain upon awakening may be a sign of nighttime teeth grinding.

Facial Muscle Pain. Grinding teeth can happen while driving without being a conscious effort. What might be noticeable is facial pain resulting from countless hours of clenching the jaw muscles. Facial muscle strain can lead to TMJ tension and migraine headaches.

TMJ Disorders. TMJ disorders may result from bruxism. Grinding teeth changes how the bite meets. This can affect how the jaw muscles operate to open and close the jaw. Unbalanced demand of the jaw muscles can lead to TMJ disorders.

Contact Houston TMJ Dentist Dr. John Barras

Repairing Damage Caused by Teeth Grinding in Houston

Teeth are incapable of rebuilding themselves. To repair damage caused by teeth grinding call Dentistry by John Barras, DDS. Teeth damaged by bruxism may show signs of teeth grinding. Broken teeth, chipped teeth, worn teeth, and teeth shifted out of place may all be victims of teeth grinding. Dr. Barras, DDS, LVIF can determine how to best approach each tooth for restoring smiles and correcting bite alignment. Putting a stop to teeth grinding is an important step in preventing TMJ disorders. Learn more about dental solutions for repairing damage caused by teeth grinding. Contact Dentistry by John Barras, DDS today for a complimentary TMJ examination. Eliminate TMJ symptoms, prevent damage to the TMJ, and restore your smile.

Treating TMJ in Houston

Tooth grinding can lead to excessive fatigue on facial muscles and alter bite alignment. If you are experiencing TMJ pain, it may be caused the result of grinding your teeth. Those experiencing symptoms of TMJ due to bruxism may be able to achieve permanent relief without surgery. A Fellow with the Las Vegas Institute, Dr. Barras, DDS has extensive training diagnosing and treating patients with temporomandibular joint disorders. A personalized examination can help gauge tooth wear, check bite alignment, and determine how the teeth meet. Call Dentistry by John Barras, DDS and ask about TMJ treatment.